Tasting Notes: The Great Pumpkin [Beers]

Whether you plan on getting all decked out in a handcrafted costume or sitting on the sidelines taking in the insanity, a pumpkin beer is an appropriate accompaniment to your Halloween festivities. If you agree, you’re in luck; virtually every BBC is pouring something pumpkin right now.

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale – The overall take from Beer & Brewing magazine on this pumpkin beer says, “A tasty pumpkin beer with a considered use of spices that support and complement the pumpkin flavors. The caramel malts pair well with the pumpkin.”

In Falmouth, Framingham, Manchester & Westford:

Southern Tier Brewing Pumking – Beer Advocate rates Southern Tier’s take on pumpkin at 4 stars with one reviewer noting that its, “Taste opens with a squash-like sweetness, some caramel notes, and ends with a long stretch of hop bitterness. This is so nicely balanced!”

Dogfish Head Punkin Ale – Dogfish Head’s pumpkin-based offered has one RateBeer reviewer exclaiming, “The smell is, wow. Who put a fresh slice of warm pumpkin pie to my nose when I wasn’t looking?! I mean it for real.”

In Worcester:

Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby – We may be showing our age by saying that Two Roads take the pumpkin in name alone; love it! Beer Advocate gives it 4 stars with a taster saying, “I was breaking out in a jack-o’-lantern-like grin at my happiness with this beer. Finish was dry, thanks to the spices, but the rum was the flavor of the moment.”